May 2008 Grocery Challenge

earthmother

Well, end of week one and I spent roughly £25 on top of the bulk shop - about half because middle son was ill and only really fancied fruit and smoothies, so we went through a lot more than normal.

I have £110 worth of bulk delivery (offer shopping) booked for next week which will do all the non-perishable/freezable lunchbox stock for the rest of the school year, and a month's cereal along with other bits and pieces - haven't worked it out fully yet, but I reckon a third to a half of that can go against next month's budget.

That leaves me with around £100 for the rest of the month - which going by this week should be do-able - I hope

ifonlyitwaseasier

well i snuck out to tesco's, found a fab month planner wipe clean board for £2, so thats my new meal planner, OH can see whts coming for the next 5 weeks, (so long as i write it up)

also got a couple of value bits and some hayfever tabs, really feeling it this year.

i'll be back later to catch up,

KITTY_2-2

Just popped on to update my siggy.
Went to Asda yesterday and spent almost £200 :eek: Stocked up on some bits which were on offer and will last a few months but couldn't believe prices of some bits. Hardly any whoopsies either and nothing extravagant bought, so how come it was so expensive

Will have to watch my fresh stuff spends for rest of month. Got almost 4 weeks until payday and only about £50 left :cool:

Will catch up with thread later but hugs to all in need, welcome to any newbies and best of luck to the rest :beer:

natzini

superspam wrote: »

Natzini - let me know how the meatloaves go - I was thinking of trying those! I got Nigella's book for my birthday

I didn't manage to get hold of any sausagemeat, so will probs use the guts of some of the sausages in the freezer, not sure when I'll go them as I'm doing roast chicken with salad today, perhaps tomorrow then?

spendaholic

Whoo-hoo! I did it. For the first time I managed to come within my £30 budget - and have change too. I did stray from my otherwise rigid list just a few times - some hundreds & thousands for 40p, a bottle of sugar free pop for 42p and 2 bread mixes for 55p and 52p. But aside from that I think I did quite well. And the shopping included ingredients for 4 chicken casseroles (I freeze them in individual portions and have them as my own ready meals) and 4 spaghetti bolognaises (ditto), plus an orange and a lemon to add to store cupboard baking ingredients for cakes and biscuits.

Also did my bit for the environment with organic British beef mince and free range British chicken thighs. (In fact, I didn't have to buy any of the Tesco Savers range.) Didn't get Ecover washing up liquid but am trying their own brand again. And all the loose fruit and vegetables I got I didn't pack in wasteful plastic bags. AND I went to the older, less sparkly but slightly closer store.

I'm feeling very chuffed with myself.

(Edited to tidy up my chronic typing.)

jackk_2

been to iceland cos everyone wanted a bar-b-q :rolleyes: , spent £10.35. Also been to Superdrugs for toiletries Lynx shower gel, radox shower gel on BOGOF :j , spent £7.74 altogether. Also spent £10.94 at Dunelm mill on baking tin's, cake bread and muffin tins (do you think they should come out of my GC budget?? ). Then £2.24 at asda for white cabbage, finger rolls, and i got 2 bags of spinach for 40p..........any recipe ideas for those anyone??

Jackie x

Sharon_1970_2

What can I make with plain natural yoghurt? I bought a tub to use for the lemon drizzle cake only I have loads left. Anyone got any other baking recipes that use it please?

lil_me

Sharon if you search for yoghurt cake there are loads online, you can also make things like naan breads which can be frozen. One recipe http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A765632

jackk enjoy the bbq, I think my partner was planning on buying one tomorrow but it's pouring down here now so that plan might be on hold. Pleased in a way as a bbq always blows my budget to pot.

NSD today I think, trying my best to run that darn freezer down and I think it might be best to empty it and list what is in, I did have a list but it got wiped by my darling son.

mandy_moo_1

Sharon_1970 wrote: »

What can I make with plain natural yoghurt? I bought a tub to use for the lemon drizzle cake only I have loads left. Anyone got any other baking recipes that use it please?

what about tsatsiki? (sp) think its a yogurty dip....i'll see if i can find my recipe for it x

here it is:

2 large cucumbers, peeled, grated, and squeezed to drain liquid
1 small garlic clove, finely diced
1 1/4 cups plain yogurt

In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, garlic, and yogurt and mix well. Season to taste with salt.

you can dip bread sticks or carrots or , well, anything, in it !

mrssnowy_2

Help please,I have made very nice tasting yogurt with UHT milk,but it is so THIN !More the consistency of single cream.
Any ideas on thickening it?Dried milk,but how?
Is it a straining jobby-thro a cloth,or what
Can eat it but will take for ever!!
Don't want to make cake as I have to do a ginger cake for a competition,so that may end up as being redone,if I make a cuckoo of the first!
ta
J